Maine female firefighters settle harassment suit

The Associated Press •September 8, 2010 9:15 am

WESTBROOK, Maine — Two female firefighters in Westbrook, Maine, who had sued the city for failing to address their complaints of sexual harassment, would receive about $846,000 in settlement agreements.

The Portland Press Herald reports Lisa Theberge and Kathy Rogers, who sued the city in 2009, have agreed to drop the lawsuit in exchange for the settlement, which includes back pay, damages and attorney fees.

Their complaints of sexual harassment by fellow firefighters also led to the dismissal of several top officials in the fire department. A consultant was hired to train firefighters in harassment prevention.

Under terms of the agreements, Theberge would receive $368,708, and Rogers would receive $477,639.

The City Council is scheduled to approve the settlements at its meeting Monday.